Miscellanies 2.7.35

Indeed the apostle, whom they do not understand, said that the knowledge of sin was made manifest through the law, not that sin received its existence from it. And how is the law not good, which trains, which was given as a “schoolmaster to Christ,” so that, being set straight through fear in the way of training, we might turn to the perfection that comes through Christ? “I do not wish,” he says, “the death of the sinner so much as his repentance.” And the commandment produces repentance, forbidding what must not be done and promising benefits. By death, I think, he means ignorance. And “the one who is near the Lord is full of stripes”: clearly the one who draws near to knowledge enjoys dangers, fears, troubles, and afflictions because of his longing for the truth. For “an instructed son turned out wise,” and “an understanding son was saved from the burning heat,” and “an understanding son will receive commandments.” And Barnabas the apostle, after first saying, “Woe to those who are wise in their own sight and understanding before themselves,” added: “Let us become spiritual, a perfect temple to God. As far as it lies with us, let us practice the fear of God and strive to keep his commandments, so that we may rejoice in his ordinances.” Hence “the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” has been divinely said.